𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗗𝗱𝗢 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆

To empower coconut farmers and strengthen the coconut industry in the province, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the PLGU-Philippine Coconut Authority, successfully conducted the 2nd Provincial Coconut Summit held at the Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School on August 22, 2023.

DTI Provincial Director, Atty. Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said the summit is one of the steps of the government that aims to provide a platform for stakeholders in promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development toward the resilience of the coconut sector in the province.

This year’s celebration highlighted several components such as the plenary session, panel discussion, showcasing of food and non-food products through product exhibit, and profiling and registration of coconut farmers.

Status and updates on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) were discussed by the Philippine Coconut Authority during the plenary session. Sunrise Ventures Corporation also provided inputs on business opportunities for Coco Sugar Production.

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga graced the event with commitment of support “𝑘𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑝𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑢𝑛 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜, 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑝𝑎𝑘𝑢𝑠𝑜𝑔 𝑠𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑠, 𝑘𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑖 𝑠𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑏𝑜𝑘-𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎 𝑢𝑔 𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑜𝑑 𝑝𝑎 𝑛𝑔𝑎 ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑜𝑛, 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑘𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑔𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔-𝑢𝑢𝑚𝑎”.

Gov Gonzaga also led the induction of officers for the Coconut Industry Resource Circuit for Leadership Empowerment and Development Davao de Oro (CIRCLED DdO).

More than a thousand coconut farmers gathered at the event, and around 100 key stakeholders, experts, and enthusiasts from across the coconut industry shared a day of insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative planning.

“𝑁𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑖 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑘𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑔𝑖ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑔 𝑠𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑏𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑜 𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑎 𝑛𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑘 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑢𝑠𝑎 𝑘𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑠𝑎𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖ℎ𝑖𝑦𝑜 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑡 𝑢𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑢𝑏𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑠𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔-𝑢𝑢𝑚𝑎 𝑠𝑎 𝑡𝑖𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎,” statement of Mary Ann C. Cabillon, Chairperson of Comval Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative in New Bataan.

She also expressed gratitude to all the concerned government agencies for providing assistance and support from various trainings, orientations on value-adding and production technologies, and the provision of coconut seedlings. (𝑅. 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑛𝑜, Photos by Jonie Cadiz)

Gov. Gonzaga joins 5th League of Provinces of the Philippines General Assembly

Davao de Oro Gov. Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga joined the 5th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) held at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City on August 26, 2023.

The LPP brings together more than 80 strong provincial leaders from across the country as it deliberates on current issues, fosters inter-provincial collaboration, and focuses on sustainable development in the region.

Headed by its National President, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., the assembly discusses crucial events and topics aimed at strengthening ties among provinces and enabling them to work together on shared challenges and opportunities. Among those shared in the panel discussion includes the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election 2023, the Provincial Integrated Water Security Planning, Mainstreaming Climate Change in Local Planning and Programming Process, Integrating all provincial jails within the jurisdiction of BJMP, and sharing of best practices of the Province-wide Universal Health Care Program of La Union, among others.

Thus, encompassing a wide range of topics, the assembly served as a platform for the LPP members and key stakeholders to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices, including Gov. Gonzaga, who actively joined in the discussion.

The gathering of the LPP is yet another testament to the power of unity and collaboration, and that “inter-provincial cooperation will drive positive change, enhance resilience, and ensure a brighter future for all Filipinos.” (PAO-IPRD DDO)

DdO celebrates the gains of collective resilience and unity – insurgency free province

 

“Davao de Oro has emerged as a shining example of resilience and unity. Through the collaborative efforts of our brave citizens, dedicated public servants, committed men and women in uniformed personnel, we have successfully eradicated the menace of insurgency that once plagued our land”, message of Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga during the ceremony of 1st anniversary of the insurgency-free province on June 22, 2023, at the Capitol Lobby, Nabunturan.

The one-day celebration kicked off with a motorcade followed by the soft opening of “Kalayaan Village” situated in Barangay Libasan, Nabunturan, the release of livelihood and financial assistance to friends rescued and people’s organizations, and the signing of a manifesto of support on sustaining peace and development in the province.

 Aside from commemorating the significant milestone, Gov Gonzaga also underscored the importance of protecting the hard-earned gains by remaining to be vigilant, engaging in constructive dialogue, and reinforcing the determination to combat all forms of insurgency, including those that originate from within.

Joy James “Ka Amihan” Saguino and Kurt Russel “Ka Ugnay” Sosa, friends rescued who have chosen the path of peace and unity, pay tribute to the sacrifices made along the way and honor the bravery of those who against all odds, and choose to stand up for what is right, even in the face of grave challenges.Both are a living testament to the transformative power of hope, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change.

“May this anniversary be etched in our hearts as a symbol of our collective triumph over darkness; we rejoice in the transformation of our province; the families reunited, the communities rebuilt, and the dreams reignited,” Joy said.

 Sosa heartened his former comrades to channel their passion and idealism into constructive endeavors that uplift the communities and create lasting change.

Davao de Oro, a province that was once a hotbed of communist insurgency, hosting 7 of the 18 guerrilla fronts in the Davao region, has 133 barangays identified as conflict-vulnerable areas, now celebrating the fruits of all the government’s unwavering efforts and determination. (R. Hortizano, Photos by A. Dayao & R. Naval)

BJMP pours social services to IP communities in Montevista

 

A total of 1,485 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from Barangay Camantangan, New Sibolan, and New Dalaguete, all in Montevista, have benefitted various social services today (June 20, 2023) during the conduct of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) community outreach program.

BJMP District Jail Warden, JCINSP Jul Akbar L Jamiri, said the program is part of their annual celebration of community relations service month, which focuses on bringing government services closer to the people, especially those residing in vulnerable areas in the province.

He also expressed gratitude to the concerted efforts of the partner national government agencies, provincial and local government units, and private sectors for extending their profound support throughout the program.

Among the services offered are the following: feeding program, school bags and slippers for students, free civil registration of PSA, medical check-ups, legal consultation and document drafting, operation tuli, hair cutting, distribution of seedlings, animal healthcare, one-day free skills training of TESDA, and others.

In response, Municipal Tribal Chieftain, Maniguon Herminio T. Opao said “Kini nga kalihokan usa ka pinasahi nga ang BJMP dili lang ahensya para sa mga ginatawag nga PDL apan naa sad diay silay programa nga makadasig sa katawhang tribo ug sa tanang lumulupyo sa benepisyaryong barangay”.

Chieftain Opao added that the whole IP community is full of heart for reaching out and pouring the much-needed services, informing the public about the bureau’s program, and playing as an agent of change in society.

This year’s 12th CRS bags the theme: “Matatag na Ugnayan ng Pamayanan at Piitan, Daan tungo sa Ligtas at Maunlad na Bayan”.

The activity was attended by Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga represented by Fr. Nick Consencino, Mayor Cyrex L. Basalo, Atty. Nicole Batingana of NCIP XI, Montevista District Jail Personnel, 25th Infantry “FIREBALL” Battalion, Philippine National Police, and Barangay Officials.

 (R. Hortizano, Photos by R. Naval)

DSWD Sec Gatchalian leads financial aid distribution to the earthquake-affected families in DdO

 

"Ang dala natin agad ay mabilisang financial assistance para makabangon sila uli, pero babalik kami para naman meron tayong long term sustainable livelihood grants" Gatchalian said. 

On February 20, 2023, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian conducted a courtesy visit and distribution of financial assistance to the earthquake-affected families in the municipalities of Monkayo and Compostela in Davao de Oro. 

During the visit, Secretary Gatchalian handed over Php 3,000 in financial assistance to the 490 families in Monkayo and 620 families in Compostela, through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. The aid package is intended to help them to recover and start anew. The Secretary also listened to their concerns and issues, promising to address their needs and provide additional support as necessary.

Meanwhile, Secretary Gatchalian visited PLGU-Davao de Oro led by Governor Dorothy Gonzaga to discuss further the possible programs and projects intended for the development of the communities in the province. He also visited the newly constructed DSWD Davao de Oro Provincial Operations Office situated at the Provincial Capitol Complex.

The visit of the Secretary serves as a testament to the government's commitment to assist its citizens, especially during times of crisis. The DSWD will continue to work with local government units and other agencies to ensure that those who need assistance will receive the help they deserve.

 (J. Fernandez, Photos by R. Naval & PIA Davao de Oro)

300 learning tablets to reinforce education for DdO's Out-of-School youths

A total of 300 learning tablets were handed over by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) sa Mindanao to the Unlad Kabataan Program (UKP) beneficiaries or the DepEd's Alternative Learning System-Education and Skills Training (ALS-EST) learners during the ceremonial joint signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the Abot Alam Intensified Program (AAIP) between PLGU-Davao de Oro and DAP sa Mindanao held at the Activity Hall, Provincial Capitol. 

Parts of the AAIP program are the ALS-EST project and the provision of digital learning tablets, thereby reinforcing quality education for the vulnerable and marginalized Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) in the province.

DdO Youth Development Office Division Head Alexis Micutuan, in his message, underpinned that the UKP program, together with the AAIP Program, aimed for the development of disadvantaged youth in terms of spiritual, psychological, and social development.

"Our goal in UKP is to establish 3 exit points for the OSYs, first; to enroll in college or technical skills education, second; to engage in entrepreneurial activity and become an entrepreneur, third; to increase employability. We wanted to provide competent and skilled na mga young people dito sa probinsya" Micutuan said.

Micutuan added that for the school year 2022-2023, there are already 1000 learner-beneficiaries under the program and they will be enjoying the digital tablets coming from DAP as well.

In a speech by DAP Senior Vice President Bernardo Dizon, he expressed gratitude to the local government, TESDA, DepEd, and DSWD among others for the support given in the realization of the program.

"Salamat for your cooperation, these efforts enabled DAP to provide some assistance to your local government. ALS-EST project is indeed one of the approaches that look into how the lives of our chosen beneficiaries can be improved" Dizon said.

Meanwhile, Jemmar Mangapas, one of the learner-beneficiaries, extended his appreciation to the governing bodies for the provisions given such as the skills training interventions and most especially, the chance to continue their education.

Governor Dorothy Gonzaga represented by Acting Provincial Administrator Fatima Montejo congratulated the beneficiaries for taking the risk of allowing themselves to improve their lives. "Since this is a given opportunity, you should utilize it well and hopefully maayu inyung kahimtang after all of these activities.  The government will support as always in whatever we can provide as long as needed sa mga tao ang serbisyo" PA Montejo said.

On September 1, 2022, DAP sa Mindanao already turned over 300 learning tablets also intended for the UKP learner-beneficiaries. 

(Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by A. Dayao)

DdO kicks off Bulawanong Dibuhista Arts Exhibit

 

Davao de Oro --- A total of 150 locally-made products were displayed in the Provincial Capitol Lobby during the official opening ceremony of the Bulawanong Dibuhista Arts Exhibit on February 20, 2023.

Senior Tourism Officer Christine T. Dompor said that the activity is part of the DdO Piyesta ng Sining with the theme: “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing,” which started on February 14-March 8, 2023.

 

Dompor also expressed gratitude for the support from the local, provincial, and national government agencies that include the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Tie-Dye Making, Cultural Mapping Orientation, DdO Arts Camp, and the NabuntuRock, songwriting competitions are among the activities lined up for the month-long celebration.

 

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, Chairperson of the Provincial Council For the Promotion of Culture and the Arts, underscored the event's importance in showcasing the artistic talent of the golden people of Davao de Oro while also providing avenues for artists to channel their creativity.

 

She also called on everyone to take this opportunity to appreciate art, reflect on its significance, and pay tribute to our artists.

In addition, 50 visual artists from the province 10 Special Program of the Arts (SPA) Schools participated in the Community Mural Project, which allowed them to paint the 200-meter-perimeter fence of the Nabunturan Central Elementary School.

The artists experienced a sense of fulfillment and HeArts during the project, which showcased the "Masayang Kabataan" tribal concept conceptualized by the renowned sculptor and painter of Maragusan, Raffy L. Quimba.

(Rheafe Hortizano, Photos by Jonie Cadiz)

𝗗𝗱𝗢 𝗘-𝗚𝗼𝘃 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗖𝗦𝗖 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗔𝗚-𝗔𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

Another winning streak of the province stands out at the national level after the e-Gov Technical Team of the Provincial Information and Communication Technology Office (PICTO) bagged the 2022 Honor Awards Program’s Search for Outstanding Government Workers under the CSC PagAsa Award (Group Category).

On January 9, 2023, Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga personally handed over the certificate of commendation to the team right after the regular flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol Grounds. 

Gov Gonzaga congratulated the team headed by PICTO PG Head Joyzel R. Odi and expressed her gratitude and gladness for the feats of the province. 

Since 2015, the team has developed multiple information and communication technology (ICT) computer systems that foster the delivery of public service at various levels: Government to Government (G2G), Government to Citizens (G2C), Government to Business (G2B), Government to Internal Processes (G2I), and Government to Pandemic Response (G2P). 

Among the ICT solutions established and duly recognized nationally were the following: DDO iPortal, Document Management System, Blood Distribution Management System, Funds Utilization Management System, CallDdoc, 1DdO Helpline, and Household Profiling and Needs Assessment System. 

In addition, aside from the cash incentive worth P60K given by the province, the CSC also grants P100K for each group members. 

It is worth noting that the eGov Technical Team laid a vital cornerstone for digital literacy and governance in the province for employees and the Davaoeños as a whole. 

HAP is the highest annual recognition rite conducted by the CSC that recognizes government offices, officials, and employees who have excelled and shown great dedication and commitment to public service. 

(R. Hortizano, Photos by Jonie Cadiz)

29 RIDOs in Davao de Oro complete DdOT-KD program

On Wednesday, December 28, a total of twenty-nine (29) former Illegal Drug Offenders for Reforms (IDORs) who are now Reformed Illegal Drug Offenders (RIDOs) successfully graduated from the Davao de Oro Transformative Programs Kontra Droga (DdOT-KD). They received their certificate of completion during the Culmination Ceremony at the Activity Hall, Provincial Capitol, proving that they have changed and no longer use illegal drugs.

Of the 62 IDORs, only 29 RIDOs enrolled in the 2nd batch of the program and completed it. The other 33 dropped out, some were arrested, tested positive for illegal drugs, or passed away as a result of accidents, shootings, and other tragedies. The 2nd batch beneficiaries started their intervention last November 8, 2019, during the kick off ceremony at the Social Hall, Provincial Capitol. The delay of the culmination ceremony was due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, represented by Executive Assistant III Fr. Nick Consencino, stressed to the RIDOs the significance of continuing to abstain and stay away from illegal drugs and setting an example for those people who are still in the situation to also reintegrate into the society.

Assistant Provincial Health Officer/ Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Secretariat Dr. Mary Cyril G. Pasaol also underscored to the RIDOs to avoid the people contributing to the triggers for them to go back to the dangerous deeds. She added that the government is always willing to help in improving their quality of life.

Alyas Karen, a RIDO, expressed gratitude in her speech to the  local and national government units and various stakeholders for the support provided to change their outlook on life, enabling them to return to the folds of the community and no longer use illegal drugs.

Aside from the Certificate of Completion, the 29 RIDOs also received a TESDA certificate on Mushroom making as well as 25 kilos of rice assistance and an emergency kit.

Further, a total of 58 RIDOs, out of 60 IDORs enrolled in the first batch that commenced on July 5, 2019, also completed the program during the culmination ceremony at the Social Hall, Provincial Capitol on December 19, 2019. This sums up a total of 87 RIDOs that completed the intervention since the program started in 2019 up until this year.

The DdOT-KD program of the provincial government, administered by the PADAC chaired by Governor Gonzaga, is a six-month community-based treatment for Plea Bargaining Cases or IDORs. Such provisions include rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration, through structured activities and sessions including psychosocial interventions, restoring family relationships, spiritual guidance and counseling, among others. (Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by A. Dayao)

P10-M worth of Provincial Medicine Warehouse to rise in DdO capitol complex

Davao de Oro - Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, on Monday, December 12, 2022, led the groundbreaking ceremony to officially start the construction of the P10-M worth of 1-storey Provincial Medicine Warehouse located at the Provincial Capitol Complex, Nabunturan.

Governor Gonzaga, in her speech, expressed gratitude to the Department of Health (DOH) through the Davao Center for Health Development (DCHD) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) for the support provided in the realization of the building, as well as her plans to extend aid so that the construction will be finished on time.

PHO head Dr. Antonio P. Ybiernas said in his message that the building will serve as a satellite office that will improve the day-to-day operations of PHO as well as a storage facility for commodities including medicines and vaccines. 

"Duna pud ni syay gamay opisina para sa atoang supply officer para ila gyung mabantayan ang atoang mga commodities... para pud ang atong katawhan dili na magproblema kung unsay mga tambal o vaccines nga gikinahanglanon" Dr. Ybiernas said. 

Meanwhile, DCHD Regional Director Dr. Annabelle P. Yumang was also present during the ceremony emphasizing in her message the necessity for a warehouse in times of emergencies.

"Remember during the Bagyong Pablo, there are lot of people na gusto mu-donate sa atoa but wala tay mabutangan, we only have tents. We should not wait for another calamity that we come to realize nga need nato ang warehouse" Dr. Yumang said.

Dr. Yumang added that a series of training will be given to the supply officers who will look after the supplies including proper temperature requirements to avoid contamination from pests. She also hopes for support from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) for the maintenance and monitoring of the building.

Further, in a one-on-one interview with Dr. Ybiernas, he also stressed that more projects await the constituents including the construction of Super Health Centers from DOH that are set to rise in strategic locations of the province providing specialized health services at the local scale. Such provisions may include an outpatient department, laboratory, x-ray, ultrasound, birthing services, diagnostic, blood chemistry, and dental services, among others. 

Present also at the ceremony were Acting Provincial Administrator Fatima Montejo, DMO-DOH Representative Dr. Annie Larosa, Asst. PHO PG Heads Dr. Mary Cyrel Pasaol and Dr. Abigail Amores, Engr. Moises John Fortulazo of Heavy John Engineering Consultancy and other PG Heads of the provincial government, together with the PHO, PDOHO, and PEO staff, where they showed their support in strengthening the healthcare delivery in the province. (J. Fernandez, Photos by A. Dayao)

Davao de Oro's 2022 National Children's Month to raise mental health awareness and more interventions

To boost advocacy on the welfare and protection of children, the provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), successfully participated in the 30th National Children's Month (NCM) kick-off ceremony held at the Capitol lobby on November 8, 2022.

This year's theme, “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan,” focused on the mental health and well-being of children after the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) found out that in 2021 mental health was among the problems encountered by children due to the pandemic.

Around 400 children participated in the festivities, as they received loot bags, party snacks, and being entertained by clown shows. Filipina child star/actress Yesha Camile also gave an inspirational message and song for the children.

Meanwhile, Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga administered the oath to parents and teachers (Panatang Makabata), emphasizing the importance of protecting children's rights.

"Special Month ni ninyu mga bata ... tanang makaayu ninyu buhaton namo ... kaming tanan diri nga mga dili bata... palangga kaayu mo namo" matud ni Gov. Gonzaga.

Provincial Child Welfare Focal Preciosa Toledo said in an interview that the provincial government will continue to strengthen its mental health support services for children. Such interventions include psychosocial treatments, counseling, family therapy, support hotlines, and among others that are in line with their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

"Pakusgan nato ang mga programang hisgutanan on protection of our children. Ang atong opisina sa PSWDO andam kaayu nga muhatag sa serbisyo (ug) ginapakusgan nato ang adbokasiya kung unsaon nato pag-detect ang atong mga bata nga naa nay mga issues on mental health" Toledo said.

Ms. Toledo added that more programs await the children this month that include the provincial children's congress and Bulilit Fun Day which will be participated by the day care children of the province.

Further, on the culmination day, November 28, 2022, Governor Gonzaga will be presenting her Local State of the Children's Report as part of the month-long activities.

Under Republic Act 10661, the month of November is designated as NCM celebration to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989. (JF, Photos by A. Dayao)